The village of Bowness-on-Solway marks the western end of Hadrian’s Wall. Situated within the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village also marks the start/finish of the Hadrian’s Wall Path national trail. The sand dunes, salt marsh, and shingle bed of the coastline at Bowness is home to lots of wildlife. Keep a look-out for birds including: golden and grey plover, bar-tailed and black-tailed godwit, dunlin, redshank, lapwing, knot, and turnstone.

Theo

December 19, 2020

Hiking

The place to start the great hike along Hadrian's Wall!

David Howells

April 3, 2026

Hiking

Bowness-on-Solway is best known as being the western end of the iconic Hadrian's Wall. There is a small shelter here to mark the start of this national trail. You will not see much of the wall until after Carlisle, but the wall did originally start at the village with even more forts further down the coast. Being an estuary, this area is also a haven for wildlife and birdwatching.

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Best routes near Bowness-on-Solway

4.2

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#1.

Bowness-on-Solway to Burgh by Sands via Hadrian's Wall Path — Solway Coast

25.6km

06:29

60m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.0

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#2.

Hadrian's Wall Path: Bowness and Port Carlisle Loop

5.69km

01:27

10m

Hike the easy 3.5-mile Hadrian's Wall Path: Bowness and Port Carlisle Loop, offering Solway Firth views and historic charm.

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Easy

4.2

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#3.

Molly's Path – Bowness-on-Solway loop from Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve

10.8km

02:44

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Elevation 10 m

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Take Me There

Location: Bowness, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Bowness-on-Solway

#1.

Bowness-on-Solway to Burgh by Sands via Hadrian's Wall Path — Solway Coast

#2.

Hadrian's Wall Path: Bowness and Port Carlisle Loop

#3.

Molly's Path – Bowness-on-Solway loop from Drumburgh Moss National Nature Reserve

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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